Envy Code R programming font

THE latest update of the excellent Envy Code R programming font has just been released by Damien Guard. It fixes a number of bugs that were present in the previous version especially when the font was used at sizes lower than 14 points in Java applications.

Eddy.

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

I BIT the bullet and bought a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 over the week-end. I walked in the computer store with the firm intention of buying the MS Compact Curve 2000, but came out with the Ergo 4000 when I found out that there was a promotion on it.

So far, I’m finding the keyboard to be quite good, especially when the reverse-tilt add-on is used to bring the hands hovering over the keys in a natural position. The keys are not that great, though; they have the same feel as those on the cheap DELL keyboards. The extra keys and the “zoom” slider (now configured for vertical scrolling) are very useful when re-programmed to my particular needs and help to offset the average keys.

However, there seems to be a design problem with the space-bar. Since it is such a large key on this model and the switch is activated by a pin moving down a plastic shaft in the middle of it, pressing the space-bar at any place other than close to its mid-point is quite irritating, as extra force needs to be applied. Fortunately, some plastic lubricant down the shaft (err, this sounds weird, I know) and re-training the space-bar thumb lessen the problem. But, for many others, the initial bad experience with the space-bar may be a complete turn-off.

Overall, I enjoy the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. In fact, I have already put a request to have one at the office.